Monthly Archives: November 2014

This is a fantastic month for silent film fans. The star of the month this month are all silent stars, meaning that one night a week (Mondays) will be devoted to showing only silent films. In total, there will be 33, classics from all around the world. The full massive lineup:

2ndEnchantment (1921): Marion Davies stars in this drama as a high and mighty flapper type. The film references Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and eventually becomes a more modern retelling of this familiar tale.

3rdThe Poor Little Rich Girl (1917): Mary Pickford stars in this first adaptation of the 1913 play of the same name. One of Pickford’s most well known films, it would also go on to be big for Shirley Temple (in a later version that included songs).It (1927): If you’ve ever heard the term “it girl,” you have this movie to thank. Clara Bow became the original “it girl” because of this film, and it’s easy to tell why with such a charming performance. A major box office hit, it was one of the biggest films of it’s time and catapulted her to superstardom.Sadie Thompson (1928): Starring Gloria Swanson as a former prostitute, this was faced with controversy and censorship issues at the time. It did end up being a big hit, the only one Swanson had in the time she was studio independent. Lost until 1983, this version is still somewhat incomplete. The ending was reconstructed through stills and clips from a later adaption.The Wildcat (1921): Pola Negri became of one of Hollywood’s biggest silent stars, but this film comes from when she was still in Germany, making big pictures there. This is one of many films she made with director Ernst Lubitsch.Pandora’s Box (1928): Another German film, this one is legendary because of Louise Brooks’ mesmerizing performance. If you haven’t seen her tour de force, go out of your way to do so.Way Down East (1920): Later remade in the sound era, this one of many DW Griffith films starring Lillian Gish. Even if you haven’t seen the film, you’ve probably seen the image of Gish clutching onto a block of ice.

4thShow People (1928): A lighthearted look at Hollywood, this film is chock full of cameos by major stars. The stars themselves are big: Marion Davies and William Haines, with King Vidor directing.Torrent (1926): A romantic film centered around a storm, this is the first film Greta Garbo made upon her arrival to America.Camille (1921): This one features another major star of the silent era, Rudolph Valentino.

9thThe Navigator (1924): This comedy involves Buster Keaton on a boat, which shockingly doesn’t end well for him.Sherlock Jr. (1924): Possibly Keaton’s best work, this is an all time classic that features not only hilarious moments, but also has many amazing technical moments.

10thThe Sheik (1921):This is the film that propelled Rudolph Valentino into one one the biggest stars in the country. The popularity was such that a sequel was made five years later, just prior to Valentino’s untimely death.The Thief of Bagdad (1924): This features Douglas Fairbanks as he is most well known: a swashbuckling light on his feet hero.The Big Parade (1925): King Vidor directed this brilliant World War I film, one that has particularly brutal portrayals of what war is really like. John Gilbert stars.Ben-Hur (1925): This earlier version of a classic story is excellent as well, with it’s own thrilling climactic chariot scene. Several stars of the time can be seen in cameos in that scene. Some parts of the film were made in early technicolor.He Who Gets Slapped (1924): With an all-star cast including Lon Chaney, Norma Shearer and John Gilbert, this is one not to be missed. Chaney plays a tragic figure brilliantly, one of his many great performances.

11thThe Winning of Barbara Worth (1926): Not only does this western star Ronald Colman, but it also includes Gary Cooper in his first feature role.

16thDr. Jack (1922): Having entered features just one year earlier, this was Harold Lloyd’s third feature film. Sandwiched between Grandma’s Boy and Safety Last, this is lesser known than some of his others.

17thThe Last Command (1928): Emil Jannings’ performance was so so strong that he won the first Best Actor Oscar (although it was awarded in honor of both this and another performance).Sunrise (1927): Widely considered to be a classic of silent film, this film won three different Oscars at the first ceremony.The Rag Man (1925): The first starring vehicle for Jackie Coogan at MGM, it was directed by comedy master Edward Cline.Captain January (1924): Another film directed by Cline, the star of this one is Baby Peggy, one of the very few living silent actors.Kiki (1926): Set in Paris, this film boasts two major stars in Norma Talmadge and Ronald Colman.Her Night of Romance (1924): Another romance film, this one stars Ronald Colman as well. Oddly, this time he’s opposite Norma’s sister Constance.

23rdMaster of the House (1925): A Danish silent comedy/drama, this is considered a classic Danish film.

24thA Dog’s Life (1918): A dog is the co-star in Charlie Chaplin’s comedy, and both play their parts expertly.Seven Chances (1925): This Buster Keaton comedy centers around marriage and concludes in epic fashion when he encounters a boulder.The Freshman (1925): Harold Lloyd’s style of comedy is on perfect display in this film. It’s one of his best known films, and with good reason.Charley My Boy! (1926): As the title suggests, this short stars one of the major comedy stars of the time, Charley Chase.Fatty and Mabel Adrift (1916): Both Roscoe Arbuckle and Mabel Normand were hilarious actors that met unfortunate ends. This film is recommended as a good look at both of them.Putting Pants on Phillip (1927): This short offers the chance to see Stan Laurel prior to teaming up with his famous partner.Fast Company (1924): Yet another comedy short, this one stars Joe Cobb.

30thMare Nostrum (1926): Later remade as a sound film, this another film about World War I.